Young Mayo pianist Conor Walsh has sadly passed away

Extremely sad news broke yesterday, when it was revealed that young Mayo musician Conor Walsh died suddenly on Friday.

Walsh, a native of Swinford, had been gigging regularly for the last few years and released his debut EP 'The Front' just last year. His minimalist piano compositions saw him stand out in a sea of banal indie bands when he played HWCH several years ago, and he also played festivals like Other Voices and Body & Soul.

His family posted a moving tribute to him on Facebook yesterday, which read:

"Conor treated each performance the same way he treated each and every individual whom with he shared company. He never failed to conjure the highest emotion from a melody just as he never but drew the brightest light from all who met him. The absolute dedication, insatiable energy and infallible passion he committed to his music was mirrored in the attention and engagement he gifted to the conversations of those he shared memorable times with, whether on stage in Ballinalough, on the streets of Swinford or, at home in Ballinisland.

Conor was a talented musician, a tireless conversationalist with an intelligent and informed mind, a skilled fisherman, an amazingly caring brother, son and friend, and most of all, a gentleman to all who were fortunate enough to cross his path. Conor's imprint on music will continue to flow long past his time, and the impression he left on all who knew him is sure to linger in minds and hearts as distinctly as the echo of the notes he leaves behind him.

We will all miss Conor dearly, as we try to come to terms with losing a talented artist and an outstanding friend who still had so much to offer.

The family of Conor would like to sincerely thank everyone who has offered their condolences, your support is appreciated very much, and it is a great help at this difficult time.